asthma australia | annual report 20122-2012

Working together to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better

1. National Research Program established: $480,000 from the Asthma Foundations offered as national research grants

2. 2,874 asthma training sessions delivered in schools and preschools: 140,000 staff located in 58% (5,700) Australian schools and 36% (1,900) Australian preschools are currently trained in Asthma First Aid

3. Over 9,000 people with asthma and carers directly assisted with asthma self management

4. Services getting to people who need them most: over half of the people supported live in low socioeconomic communities and one third are outside major cities; 11% identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and 30% as being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and over one third are seniors

5. National Community Partnerships inform national resources review and development; 60,000 community print resources distributed directly to people who need them – in addition to online and face to face access

6. National Corporate Partnerships policy, processes and strategy developed and implemented

Our mission

2011-2012 highlights

ABN 47 931 649 319

PO Box 603 Kent Town, SA 5071

F 08 8238 9303

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 642) asthmaaustralia.org.au

Asthma Australia | Annual Report 2011 - 2012 2 /

4 President’s report5 Boardprofile6 2012 activities8 CEO Report & Progress in National Strategic Directions 10 Asthma Child and Adolescent Program12 Asthma Community Support Program14 Thank you to our partners 16 Auditedfinancialreport

Asthma Australia is the recognised national community voice of people with asthma and linked conditions and their carers. It comprises the Asthma Foundations from each Australian state and territory working together on national policy, advocacy and programs and promoting research.

Asthma Australia is a national, nongovernment, incorporated body with no political affiliations, committed to working respectfully with Indigenous and other Australians to close the gap and help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better.

Contents

To free the community of asthma

Our vision

Providing asthma information, education, training and advocacy in the community

and promoting research

Our purpose

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I am delighted to present my second report as the President of Asthma Australia.

This year we have focussed on strengthening the federation comprising Asthma Australia and the state and territory Asthma Foundations in order to better serve the interests of people with asthma and I’m pleased to say that our federation is working well.

There are many people who contribute to the workings of our federation. My colleagues on the National Board provide wise and effective leadership. Most

of them are appointed by their Foundations and sit on their Boards, mostly as President. It is not always easy to balance the interests of Asthma Australia and the Member Foundations but the Members of the National Board do it with integrity and wisdom and I thank them for that. In addition, of course, our federation needs support and encouragement from the Boards of the Foundations and I’m pleased to say that it gets that support and encouragement.

This year, under the leadership of Debra Kay, the Chief Executive of Asthma Australia, we have more formally engaged with the Chief Executives of the Foundations to provide us with advice and leadership in our national initiatives and I’m pleased and impressed by their professionalism and willingness to participate at the national level.

But most of all, I value and appreciate Debra’s tireless efforts to lead and direct the federation. Debra’s contribution to the

evolution of our federation cannot be understated. She is thorough, thoughtful, collaborative and professional. She always acts with the utmost integrity and never loses sight of our ultimate goal to assist Australians with asthma. We at Asthma Australia are indebted to her and I thank her for all she has done for us in the past year.

I will leave to Debra’s report the detail of the things we have achieved during the year. For my part, I want to thank the members of our National Medical and Scientific Committee (MASAC), chaired by Board Member Dr Simon Bowler for their contributions again this year. This group provides medical and clinical sign off to all Asthma Australia resources and programs, ensuring the highest quality information and advice to the community.

This year we formed our National Research Council to manage our research funding program. The Council is chaired by Emeritus Professor Dick

Ruffin and its membership is drawn from across the country and abroad. In addition to the Council members themselves, we have had over 60 reviewers from across the country helping to evaluate the projects that applied for funding. I thank all of those who contributed their time and expertise to a very well designed and managed grant scheme.

Finally, I thank and congratulate our Asthma Australia staff, Paula Murray, Tony Healy, Lisa Kristan and Tom Chladek for their efforts in the past year, often above and beyond the call of duty.

As always, I’m looking forward to a busy and successful future for Asthma Australia.

Terry Evans LLMPresident Asthma Australia

President’s report


Mr Terry Evans | LLM — President Asthma Australia

since 2011Terry is Special Counsel with Minter Ellison, Lawyers, in Adelaide. He has held senior positions as a lawyer and administrator in both government and private sectors. He is Pro-Chancellor of the University of South Australia and he holds Board and Committee positions (some as Chair) in the commercial, government, professional and not-for-profit sectors. He is the patron of two sporting associations in South Australia.

Dr Simon Bowler | MBBS (Hons) FRACP Grad Dip Clin Epid

— Director Asthma Foundation Queensland since 1997

— Board member Asthma Australia since 2008

— Chair, National Medical & Scientific Advisory Committee

Simon is Director of Medicine at Mater Hospital, Brisbane, with a long history of working with people with asthma and in asthma research. He has led and participated in numerous research projects.

Ms Anne Burgess | BSW — Director Asthma

Foundation SA since 2004 — President Asthma

Foundation SA since May 2009


Anne is the South Australian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity and an experienced executive manager with skills in policy development, strategic

planning, financial management, communication and community development. She has worked at executive levels and with Ministers in health, mental health and justice and is acknowledged as a change management leader.

Mr Tony Carter | Grad Bus AICD

— President Asthma Foundation WA since 2011


Tony has worked in senior executive roles for several companies in Australia including Victorian Sales Manager for AAMI Ltd, Manager for the Western Australian branch of MMI Insurance Group and CEO of RAC Insurance.He has served on a number of boards, including HBF Insurance and PBF Australia and is currently the Executive Director and CEO of Crime Stoppers WA, Chairman of Crime Stoppers Australia and a member of the WA Taxi Industry Board. He was appointed President of the Asthma Foundation WA in October 2011.Tony has a Graduate Business Degree from Curtin University and holds a degree in financial services from the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Banking and is an associate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Ian Crundall | PhD BBSc (Hons) Dip Ed Grad Dip Public Exec Man

— Director Asthma Foundation NT since 2004


Ian is a Research Fellow with the Australian Drug Foundation and an independent

consultant in social research and evaluation. He has worked for Governments in Victoria and the Northern Territory, occupying senior management and advisory positions in policy and program development and implementation, legislation, research and funding. Ian has a particular expertise in the alcohol and other drugs field and gambling. He has an extensive background in broader health and community service areas and is skilled in strategic planning, community development and working in cross cultural settings.

Mr Kevin Gill — Director Asthma Foundation

ACT since 2007 — President Asthma

Foundation ACT since 2009 — Board member Asthma

Australia since 2009 — Asthma Australia Vice

President since 2011Kevin has worked at executive level across a range of Commonwealth government departments. He has been a ministerial adviser and he served as Executive Officer to the Human Rights Commission and the Federal Commissioner for Community Relations. He served in South Vietnam having been conscripted during that war. Kevin has held a wide range of community positions including Secretary for the Canberra Festival, Koomarri Board Member, Freedom from Hunger Campaign (National ACT Executive Member, Convenor, National Walk), ACT & National President Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, and Executive Group. He has been a Member of the ACT House of Assembly.

Mr Doug Gould | BE (mech) Grad Dip BA MBA MIE (Aust) MAICD

— Director Asthma Foundation Victoria since 1996

— President Asthma Foundation Victoria since 2010

— Board Member Asthma Australia since 2010

Doug is Managing Director of Test-Trak, an Automotive Testing company. Doug has a background in engineering, marketing, distribution, general management and consulting. As senior executive with over 15 years experience in a wide range of industries with several high profile Australian and International companies, he has now created an Australian based international automotive engineering business. Doug holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. In 1998 he was the John O. Miller award winner for distinguished performance by the Swinburne Business School.

Hon Craig Knowles — Director Asthma Foundation

NSW since 2008 — President Asthma

Foundation NSW since Dec 2008


Craig is the former Minister for Health, Planning and Infrastructure, Housing and Natural Resources in the NSW Government. He holds a range of Board and advisory positions as well as serving on a number of not-for-profit and charitable boards. He is a fellow of the Australian Property Institute.

Associate Professor Charles Mitchell | MBBS FRACP FAFOEM

— Director Asthma Foundation Queensland since 1986

— President Asthma Foundation Queensland since 2009

— Board Member Asthma Australia since 2009

Charles is one of Australia’s leading respiratory physicians and medical researchers. With over 35 years experience in asthma and linked respiratory conditions, he has contributed greatly to national and international research into asthma including development of the world’s first dictionary of lung sounds. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine and the Director of the Centre for Safe Prescribing at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Charles is Nominated Director at the National Asthma Council.

Mr Kevin Morgan | Ph.C. FPS and AACPA

— Member of the Board Asthma Foundation TAS Committee of Management since 1997

— Member of Asthma Foundation TAS Medical & Scientific Committee (MASAC) since 1997

— President Asthma Foundation TAS since Sep 2009


— Member Asthma Australia MASAC since 2009

A consultant pharmacist, Kevin Morgan has owned and operated pharmacies since 1969. He has held key positions with the Tasmanian Pharmacy Board

as President and Chairman of the Panel of Examiners and Chairman of the Professional Development Committee. He has also served as President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Tas).

Ms Jennifer Robertson | LLB Grad Cert Bus GAICD

— Director Asthma Australia since 2011

Jennifer is a Senior Consultant at Board Matters, a governance and advisory consulting company assisting boards and governing bodies across Australia. In this role, Jennifer has worked with some of the most iconic not-for-profit organisations in Australia to assist their boards achieve great governance. Prior to her role at Board Matters, she was a Senior Associate with the national law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Jennifer has had over 15 years experience sitting on boards and management committees and is a sought after chairperson for discrete board working groups and committees. Her current appoints are Director QUT Alumni Board since 2008; Director Queensland Independent School Block Grant Authority since 2009; Director Queensland MAP Funds Management Limited since 2009; and Director MAP Financial Planning Pty Ltd since 2009 (Chair since 2011).

Board profile

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During the year, the Board conducted a review of the national movement, to inform improvements in the way we work together to achieve our national vision, mission and priority goals.

This work was lead by a subcommittee of the Board and supported by two very special volunteers: Mr Ian Adams and Mr Allan Scroope. Ian is a former Asthma Foundation Victoria and Asthma Australia President; Allan is a member of the Asthma Foundation ACT Board and has provided government policy advice to Asthma Australia. The report presented by Ian and Allan combined vision and pragmatism and their insightful analysis of feedback from Foundations and external parties has provided recommendations to guide our national operations into the future.

Asthma Australia expresses its very sincere thanks to Ian and Allan for undertaking this huge task so carefully and successfully.

This year Asthma Australia was proud to be a co-signatory to the Statement of Collaborative Intent 2012-2015, marking the formation of the Lung Health Alliance.

The following is an extract from the Statement.

“The Lung Health Alliance is a collective of national respiratory not for profit organisations working together to improve the lung health of individuals and communities in Australia and to contribute to the global effort for lung health. The following organisations are members of the Alliance:

— Asthma Australia — Australian Respiratory Council — Cystic Fibrosis Australia — National Asthma Council Australia — The Australian Lung Foundation — The Thoracic Society of Australia and New

Zealand.

The Lung Health Alliance acknowledges the personal, social and economic cost of respiratory illness:

— About 6 million Australians reported suffering from a chronic respiratory disease in 2004-05

— In 2007-2008, general practitioners in Australia managed respiratory problems more than any other condition (19% of all encounters)

— In 2006, disease of the respiratory system were the third most common underlying causes of death (8%) in Australia

— In 2004-05, Australia spent $3.3 billion directly on respiratory disease, making this the sixth highest disease expenditure group

— In 2004, the global leading cause of death among children under the age of five was acute respiratory infections and a leading cause of loss of healthy life years.

The Lung Health Alliance has established principles and priorities for working together and members have committed to share and progress issues related to respiratory health.”

www.lunghealthalliance.org.au

National review

Lung health alliance


In November 2011, I was pleased to accept the invitation to be appointed as the inaugural Chair of Asthma Australia’s National Research Council. I was requested by the Board to recommend Council Membership and delighted that the following esteemed researchers agreed to form the Council:

Professor Michael AbramsonProfessor Judith Black AOEmeritus Professor Lou Landau AOProfessor Richard Beasley CZNMAssociate Professor Kay Price

The Council was asked by the Board to:

— Oversee the announcement, selection and monitoring of grants

— Provide advice about opportunities for program enhancement and sustainability

— Receive advice from the National Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC) and other stakeholders

— Co-opt additional expertise as required — Support the public and professional

dissemination of asthma and related research.

I wish to acknowledge my appreciation for the generous manner in which the Council members shared their time and expertise to inform the design and implementation of the National Research Program. In January 2012 expressions of interest were invited for strategic and other research grants. When submissions closed in April, we had over 70 applications. Over 60 researchers provided independent reviews and six applicants were asked to submit a full application. The Grant recipients will be publicly announced in September 2012 when the Council will also call for applications for PhD Scholarship grants.

I commend the Asthma Foundations for their vision in deciding to pool their funds and support a national research program that ensure the very best Australian research is funded as part of fulfilling their shared vision to free the community of asthma.

Emeritus Professor Richard Ruffin AM Chair National Research Council

National Research Council

“Asthma Australia is very privileged to have Professor Dick Ruffin as the inaugural Chair of Asthma

Australia’s National Research Council. Dick is a highly qualified and respected clinician and researcher and

a long term contributor to the work of the Asthma Foundations. Dick has brought his experience, wisdom

and respectful and collaborative work style to this role. The Council he leads comprises a group of equally

highly respected clinicians and researchers who have also freely shared their time and expertise to design

and implement what is acknowledged as an excellent National Research Program. On behalf of Asthma

Australia I sincerely thank Dick, the Council members and the Australian asthma research community. We

look forward to continuing to work with you all to build a strong and sustainable consumer-focussed research

agenda and help us achieve our vision: to free the community of asthma.”

Asthma Australia President, Terry Evans

> Research recipients at AFQ’s 2012 Research

Presentation Function (left to right) Dr Simon Bowler, Prof John Upham, Jayden Logan, Emily

Impey, Dr Janet Davies (front), Khang Duong, Kelly Wong – with National President Terry Evans

“In 2012, Asthma Australia, the nation’s peak asthma group, will lead a new asthma research program. Asthma Australia will build

on the success of the past and enhance our research agenda. I am very proud that Queensland will be one of the largest financial

contributors to the new national fund. My Board believes that Asthma Australia is best positioned to lead the program and

achieve even more impressive research outcomes.”

President, Asthma Foundation Queensland, Assoc Prof Charles Mitchell,

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Communities, organisations and services are asthma friendlyWe provide education and training and advocate for people with asthma and linked conditions – working with schools and preschools, communities and health professionals to create asthma friendly environments

National Priority Progress 2012-2013

National Education & Training Policy implemented

AchievedEstablishment of streamlined national administration and quality assurance processes

National Education & Training Framework adopted

Achieved

National program administration established

In progress

People with asthma and their carers understand and can manage their asthma in the communityWe provide nationally consistent evidence-based information and education about asthma and linked conditions – through telephone and online services, brochures, community education programs and community events


National Community Information & Resources Policy implemented

Achieved Build the national telephone, online, print and face to face services into an integrated national Asthma Assist Service

National resources developed Achieved

National communication services established: #1800, online, print and face to face

In progress

Services are available to communities with higher rates of asthma or difficulties with access to appropriate servicesWe target programs and fundraising – working with communities to provide services for people at greatest risk


Implement Social Inclusion Policy Achieved Further extend community partnerships

Implement Community Voice Strategy

Work with community partners to extend reach and impact

Achieved

Develop Community Voice Strategy In progress

Research identifies and informs best practice asthma management and a community free of asthmaWe provide national leadership and work with the community to promote research and communicate findings


Implement National Research Policy Achieved Grow the National Research Program

Implement consumer guides

Implement National Research Program

Achieved

Develop Consumer Guides In progress

Asthma Australia grows through investment in national partnerships with the Australian public, governments, health professionals, business and industryWe work together nationally to deliver better services. We seek and build partnerships to expand our work to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better


Implement National Partnership Policies

AchievedBuild sustainable, ethical national partnerships

Implement national marketing and communications strategy

Implement National Brand Achieved

Develop media policies and protocols

In progress

CEO report National Strategic Directions 2010-2013 – summary of progress

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During the year, Asthma Australia has worked closely with the Foundations to significantly progress our national Strategic Directions. The tables below summarise this progress.

Income has been primarily from federal government grants with Foundation fees and levies supporting national governance and profiling.

National Office has again been supported by a grant from the Community Sector Support Scheme. This has enabled us to provide core secretarial operations and deliver national policy and advocacy. We gratefully acknowledge the Australian government’s support, through this grants program. This funding also assists us to fill the service gap between treating health professionals (diagnosis,

care planning, supply of medicines and medical tests) and the decisions people make, in the context of their daily life, about self-management.

Advocacy at the federal level has included issues related to medicines and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; medicines labelling and packaging; the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct; Health Workforce Australia; new prescribing authorities and practices; Asthma First Aid training quality; funding for health research; plain paper packaging on tobacco products; investment of

superannuation funds in tobacco companies; new rules about charities and fundraising; and eHealth. We have also taken a proactive role in encouraging collaboration between agencies and sectors to ensure easy access for consumers; high quality and consistency; and cost efficiencies.

Our two Commonwealth government funded projects have again met and exceeded expectations. Under the leadership of National Program Managers Paula Murray and Tony Healy, these projects have not only delivered the

contractual requirements, but also built capacity within the Foundations to provide nationally consistent and quality assured services to people with asthma and their carers, and to community members committed to creating Asthma Friendly environments. I extend my appreciation to the Foundations and in particular the Coordinators in each state and territory. And I thank and commend Paula and Tony for their professionalism, creativity, commitment and success.

I extend my sincere appreciation to National

President, Terry Evans and all Board members; MASAC Chair Simon Bowler and all MASAC members; National Research Council Chair, Dick Ruffin, Council members and our asthma research partners; Foundation CEOs and staff; our volunteers; partners; and supporters for their leadership and contribution to achieve our mission of working together to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better.

Debra Kay PSMCEO

Two years into the National Strategic Directions 2010-2013 means it is timely to focus on the next phase of strategic planning. During the year, Asthma Australia has undertaken initial scoping for a national conference: Tackling Asthma in Australia – planning the next five years. This conference will be held on 19 and 20 March 2013. On the following day, Foundation staff and invited guests will progress the next stage of our national strategic planning, informed by the conference recommendations and our

partners’ perspectives. Symbolically, this national conference – the first hosted by Asthma Australia and its member Foundations working together - will be held in Canberra, our national meeting place and coinciding with Canberra’s centenary celebrations. Federal Parliamentarians will be briefed about the outcomes of this work and conference participants will be able to access an advocacy pack to advance the national asthma consumer agenda within their local communities.

Looking ahead ...

During the year we have place a high priority on developing national policy and processes to progress corporate partnerships that are mission focussed; derive explicit mutual benefit; build sustainability of our services; and in no way give or imply endorsement of asthma products or services for which there is no scientific proof of consumer benefit. We have also focussed on how best to work with the pharmaceutical industry, to ensure we

advocate with industry for consumers while retaining our independent voice. This work is well progressed. We have employed a National Partnerships Manager, Ms Lisa Kristan, who has reviewed existing and historical partnerships as a first step in building a strong and ethical national partnerships agenda.

National partnerships management

The ASOS service supplies spacers and masks at cost price to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services. In October 2011, Asthma Foundation SA (AFSA) undertook to administer this service on behalf of Asthma Australia. During the nine month period, ASOS supplied 4,341 spacers and 981 masks.

Asthma Australia expresses its sincere appreciation to the following companies who supply asthma devices

at wholesale price, enabling us to pass on cost savings to these communities:

— Wymedical — Medical Developments

International — GSK — Visiomed — Bird Health Care

We also express sincere appreciation to AFSA for their professional delivery of this service and congratulate them on the very significant reach of the program.

Asthma Spacer Ordering System

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Asthma Australia’s Asthma Child and Adolescent Program (ACAP) provides Asthma First Aid training and management guidelines to staff in schools and preschools and provides a range of asthma self-management support options for parents, carers and adolescents. ACAP is funded as part of the Australian government’s Asthma Management Program (2009-2013) and is being evaluated by the University of Wollongong.

ACAP funding for 2011-12 totalled $1,632,494.60 (GST inclusive), with $171,083 of this provided to National Office to develop and manage the program and the remainder distributed to the Asthma Foundations for program implementation.

Tony HealyNational Program Manager

Development and distribution of a new brochure for parents and carers: Children’s Asthma in Education and Care Services.

This resource was informed by a national survey of parents and consultation with Principals Australia Institute and the national network of School Parent Organisations. At their annual meeting on 31 May 2012, the National Advisory Group for ACAP and CSP agreed unanimously that this “is an important resource for parents of children with asthma.”

Implementation of the new National Asthma Emergency Kits

Development and implementation of an ACAP online e-learning package.

This was originally intended for staff in remote locations or where trainers are not available; statistics and survey responses show that usage also includes staff who have missed a face to face session at their pre/school or who want to update their asthma awareness due to children with asthma for whom they have a duty of care.

345 pre/school staff have completed the online training and generated an e-certificate. The site has had over 1,000 visitors. ACAP Coordinators encourage a whole of staff approach to asthma training and can also provide training using web-conferencing facilities. 20 web-conference sessions were delivered nationally in this period.

Completion of Adolescent Focus Groups. The Youth Advisory Council of SA provided youth engagement and participation training to ACAP staff to help maximise the outcomes from the focus group strategy. The focus groups and literature review are informing our National Youth Strategy.

Production of new video footage and images for use across Asthma Australia resources. These were included in the update of the ACAP training package and can also be accessed @ asthmaaustralia.org.au/ Asthma assist

Establishment of a survey for school leaders on the Principals Australia Institute PALnet Health and Well-being forum to collect data about health care needs and management issues. Asthma Australia can now provide updates for the members of this forum.

During National Asthma Week, 1 – 7 September 2011, Driver Primary School in Palmerston, Northern Territory (NT) hosted an event to celebrate 150,000 staff trained in Asthma First Aid. The NT Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis provided a certificate to the Principal, Mr Rob Preswell and commented that, “training staff in schools and preschools to be able to manage asthma attacks contributes significantly to the well-being of students with asthma.”

Establishment of a partnership agreement with LiveWire and an Asthma Australia page in the monitored Livewire forum, where young people with severe asthma can receive information and tips, support each other and ask questions.

Asthma Child and Adolescent Program

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“Don’t be afraid to remind your child’s teacher/carer about your child’s condition. You’ll usually find that they are perfectly happy that you are keeping them up to date.” — National

survey (parent) respondent


A national survey of parents and educators provided invaluable information to guide development of our Children’s asthma in education and care services brochure. We extend our sincere thanks to Rebecca Tims for managing the national survey and initial draft. Thanks also to Chris Champion from Principals Australia Institute and Judy Bundy from the Australian Council of State School Organisations for their advice and access to networks. The survey results and quotes from respondents reinforce the vital partnership of families and staff working together to achieve the best health and learning outcomes for children with asthma.

Asthma Australia establishes ACAP service delivery targets with the Department of Health and Ageing for each financial year.

At 30 June 2012:

— 140,396 school and preschool staff have current Asthma First Aid training (200,000 trained overall)

— 58% of Australian schools (5,700) and 36% of Australian preschools (1,900) have staff trained in Asthma First Aid.

Thank you to our ACAP Coordinators 2011-2012

Australian Capital Territory Claire Miller

New South Wales Lauren De Lange

Northern Territory Jill McGee

Queensland Ashley Walton, Tanya Raineri, Emily Portas

South Australia Robyn Fawcett

Tasmania Linda Samms, Joel Winter

Victoria Michelle Howard

Western Australia Sue Spiker

Training sessions in schools and preschools

“I really appreciate that the Asthma Foundation has this training program. I am a parent and the staff at my children’s school were not wanting to take the time to have training but seem to be more willing to do it on line in their own time. They have since organised training for all staff. The teachers admitted to me they did not realise that asthma could be so dangerous and could come on so quickly until this training. They thought I was over reacting and did not take my concern about my son’s treatment seriously until they did the training. A big thank you from my family and many others at the school!”

— Parent

Schools

Preschools

2011-2012 targets

Achieved

Photos from top to bottom:

1. Filming of the new series of Asthma Instructional videos.

2. A still from one of the final videos

3. Principal of Driver Primary School, Rob Presswell, receiving a certificate from the NT Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis, with AFNT Schools’ Coordinator, Jill McGee

4. The newly developed ‘Children’s Asthma’ brochure and Asthma Emergency Kits.

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The Australian government is funding Asthma Australia for four years (2009-2013) to implement the Asthma Community Support Program (CSP), as part of the government’s Asthma Management Program. CSP is being independently evaluated by the University of Wollongong.

CSP helps people throughout the community learn more about safe asthma management.During this third year of funding the program has expanded its reach into the community. We have reviewed and updated core resources and commenced production of an image library, including short video segments on device use.

Paula MurrayNational Program Manager

The CSP service delivery targets for 2011-12 education sessions was 398 nationally; this target was exceeded in response to community demand. 430 education sessions were delivered across Australia.

— 6,662 people attended one of the 430 sessions

— 40.5% of these sessions were conducted outside of major cities

— 56.7% of sessions were held in areas classified as low socioeconomic communities

— An average of 15 people attended each session

— Over 2,500 people accessed community events/expos/information stalls

The data collected throughout the year shows the work CSP conducts in supporting target populations. Of the individuals providing demographic information, we can show the following reach:

— 38.3% of people live outside of major cities

— 55.9% of people live within lower socio-economic areas

— 34.6% of people are 65+

— 11.3% of people identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent

— 30.3% of people identify as being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Over 60,000 resources have been provided to people with asthma and their carers through the Community Support Program. This is almost double 2010-2011 distribution.

There has been a very positive response to the resources, which are subject to ongoing review and updating based on community feedback about relevance, accessibility and community advice.

During this year, the core community resources were reviewed and updated, including:

— Asthma First Aid steps and poster

— Asthma basic facts — Asthma medication and

devices — Asthma First Aid poster

We now also have updated checklists:

— Could it be asthma? — Live well with asthma — 10 Things to ask/tell you

doctor

The review was conducted with input from Foundations, external partners and National Advisory Group consumer representatives. For the first time, consumers across Australia were invited to contribute to the process.

In response to feedback, a range of instructional videos was developed. These demonstrate how to take your medication safely and effectively. Images from the videos have been used in print and other online resources including asthmaaustralia.org.au

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Asthma Community Support Program

“Very informative – Wow! On a puffer for years and using it wrongly. No wonder I’m not getting the benefits. Thanks a million!” — Participant

in Seniors community education

“Following a suggestion from my twin daughters I was most fortunate to access the outstanding

services of your educator…During a one

on one session, she explained clearly and

comprehensively how to identify and manage my

symptoms of asthma.”

— ParentAsthma Australia | Annual Report 2011 - 2012 12 /

Another key achievement in CSP this year has been the development of an education tool to support people with limited health and language literacy and in situations where access to education technology is limited. The education tool, nicknamed ‘George’, is a story board that builds on the basic concepts of asthma; how we breathe; where asthma happens; and how asthma looks and sounds. The tool is visual and tactile, and can be used in any setting. ‘George’ is currently being trialled in communities around Australia, with a diverse range of people including newly arrived refugees; people living on the traditional lands; and with small communities in the Western Australia wheat belt.

Thank you to our CSP Coordinators 2011-2012

Australian Capital Territory Claire Miller

New South Wales Lauren De Lange

Northern Territory Anne Bastian

Queensland Brett Taylor, Alicia Goodwin

South Australia Clara Tait, Simone Lee

Tasmania Peter Fisher, Andrea Fleming

Victoria Emma Dunstan

Western Australia Kyn Cowper, Leith Mette

Education sessions2011-2012 targets

Achieved

Photos from Asthma Australia’s new image and video library.

“We had many visitors to our stall, school kids, moms, dads, police personnel,

teachers, staff... one man stood out...he told me that he has asthma, so do

his 3 grandsons... he told me he was using 2 relievers a week, and was

using his preventer only when he was unwell. He uses 4 puffs of reliever before

exercise, and would need more during exercise. He was also using all his

medications without a spacer. I provided advice and written information to help

him understand the functions of the medications, the benefits of using a

spacer and reinforced the importance of being compliant to preventer medication.

He was keen to improve his health.”

— Asthma educator

Sit the person upright— Be calm and reassuring— Do not leave them alone

Give 4 puffs of blue reliever puffer medication— Use a spacer if there is one— Shake puffer— Put 1 puff into spacer— Take 4 breaths from spacerRepeat until 4 puffs have been taken

Remember: Shake, 1 puff, 4 breaths

Wait 4 minutes— If there is no improvement, give 4 more puffs

as above

If there is still no improvement call emergency assistance (DIAL OOO)*— Say ‘ambulance’ and that someone is having an

asthma attack— Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until

emergency assistance arrives*If calling Triple Zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try 112

To find out more contact your local Asthma Foundation 1800 645 130 asthmaaustralia.org.au

Call emergency assistance immediately (DIAL 000)— If the person is not breathing— If the person’s asthma suddenly becomes worse, or is not improving — If the person is having an asthma attack and a puffer is not available— If you are not sure if it’s asthmaBlue reliever medication is unlikely to harm, even if the person does not have asthma

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Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450© Asthma Australia 2012 Supported by the Australian Government

1

Asthma

Medications

& Devices

A guide to help people

with asthma

Asthma Basic FactsStaying safe and well with asthma for people with asthma and their carers

Asthma10 Things to Ask & Tell your Doctor

13 12 /

2011

-201

2

MA

SAC

mem

bers

Thank you ...... to Asthma Australia’s partners, supporters and volunteers

National partners Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing

Parliamentary Friends of Asthma: Conveners Sen Trish Crossin, Sen Sue Boyce, Andrew Laming MP and Jill Hall MP

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Australian Council of State School Organisations

Australian Indigenous Health Infonet

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

Australian Men’s Shed

Australian Respiratory Council

COTA (Council on the Ageing)

Cystic Fibrosis Australia

Early Childhood Australia (ECA)

LiveWire

National Asthma Council Australia (NAC)

National Rural Health Alliance

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Principals Australia Institute

Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Australian Lung Foundation

The Pharmacy Guild

The Shed Online

The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

University of Wollongong

Volunteers healthobjective for continuing to provide pro bono health policy advice

Barry England for providing administrative assistance

Corporate partners Nic Eldridge and his team (sector7g.com.au) continue to expertly advise the application of our national brand and designed our new website (asthmaaustralia.org.au)

Craig George (therawimage.com) provided superb photographic services

Castell Midea

Dyson

Astra Zeneca has worked with Asthma Australia to identify agreed national asthma consumer priorities

GSK has acknowledged Asthma Australia in their recent public media campaign

Tom Chladek designed this Annual Report for Asthma Australia

Asthma Foundation CEOs Australian Capital Territory Nathalie Maconachie CEO since April 2011

New South Wales Michele Goldman CEO since July 2010

Northern Territory Jan Saunders CEO since June 2005

Queensland Mark Brooke CEO since February 2010

South Australia David Bedson CEO since May 2008

Tasmania Cathy Beswick CEO since 2000

Victoria Robin Ould CEO since 1997

Western Australia David Johnson CEO since February 2010

Asthma Australia Debra Kay CEO since August 2009

National Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC)

The National MASAC is a Committee of the National Board. Its Chair is a Board Member and MASAC Members are determined by the Chair. MASAC’s terms of reference are:

— To contribute to medical and scientific sign-off on information and advice through documentation of a consensus position, identifying points of disagreement as relevant

— To make public comment as requested by the Board and agreed through the National MASAC Chair

The MASAC plays a critical role in the function of Asthma Australia. The Committee teleconferences monthly to provide medical and scientific advice and sign-off on Asthma Australia policy documents, information, education and training programs and community messaging. Outside of meetings, MASAC Members generously provide information and advice on emerging issues. During 2011-2012, the MASAC prepared four position statements and collated three Bulletins comprising staff questions and expert answers from the MASAC.

Dr Euan Tovey

Mr Kevin Morgan (Board Member)

Prof Paul Reynolds

Prof Donald Campbell

Assoc Prof Helen Reddel

Dr Andrew Wilson

Dr Mark Hurwitz

Dr Simon Bowler, Chair

Asthma Australia | Annual Report 2011 - 2012 14 /14 /

Visual Branding Advisory Group

Asthma Australia’s Visual Branding Advisory Group aims to provide mutual creative, professional and practical support to the in-house design process; inform nationally consistent and effective application of the national branding; and recommend changes to the Asthma Australia Visual Branding/Style Guide. Members comprise Foundation staff nominated by the National CEO Group as having high level design expertise and pro bono external expertise – via Nic Eldridge and his team at sector7g.

The work of the Visual Branding Advisory Group has been critical in informing quality and consistent application of our national branding. Sincere thanks are expressed for their skilled and professional work.

Members 2011-2012

Tom Chladek

Cara Christofi

Jo Weismann

Nic Eldridge sector7g

Education and Training Advisory Group

The National Education and Training Advisory Group advises Asthma Australia on matters related to its education and training programs. The Group provides advice regarding the content, delivery, assessment and evaluation of Asthma Australia’s programs; consults with and documents input from key organisations and experts to inform their decisions; and informs Asthma Australia of emerging opportunities and risks that will help to maximise the quality and reach of its programs.

Members comprise Foundation staff nominated by the National CEO Group as having high level skills and experience in relation to the content and delivery of education and training programs related to asthma and linked conditions. External expertise is sourced as required; during 2011-2012 Allison Willis from thehealthobjective provided considerable assistance in this regard. Sincere thanks are expressed to the Group’s significant contribution.

Members 2011-2012

Simon Clark

Brendon Harre

Jill McGee

Sara Morgan

Paula Murray

National Project Advisory Groups

National Advisory Groups support the Asthma Child and Adolescent Program (ACAP) and the Asthma Community Support Program (CSP).

Members maximise the positive program impact and benefit for people living with asthma and linked conditions. Members give advice about programs, resources, partnerships and reaching priority communities. Sincere thanks are expressed to our National Advisory Group partners:

Members 2011-2012

Maree Brown

Judy Bundy

Pam Cahir

Chris Champion

William Darbishire

Jan Ridd

Rosetta Rosa

Hannah Terry-Whyte

Kristine Whorlow

Heather Weiland

Robert Williams

Celia Zubrinich

14 / 15 14 /

Audited financial report


17 16 /

Audited financial report


19 18 /

Auditor’s report


Auditor’s report“People with asthma need and deserve the best quality information - based on up to date evidence and research and an understanding of the practical issues they face on a day to day basis. The professionalism, knowledge and clinical experience of the MASAC members means the Australian community can be assured of the high clinical quality of Asthma Australia’s asthma information and education and training programs”— Paula Murray,

National Community Support Program Manager

21 20 /

“Thank you. On year 9 camp recently, a young female student had her first major asthma attack. I knew what to do – the spacer was marvellous and she recovered very quickly using that – the puffer alone was not working for her”— School staff member

“The training was very good as we had a real life drama and we did not have to think about what to do, we just went about it as a team”— School staff member


“We do have Asthma Emergency

Kits which we check regularly and

send out asthma information in our newsletters when

they come out. I appreciate being connected to the

Asthma Foundation and if a need arose

I would feel very confident in using the Foundation as

a resource”— School staff member

23 22 /

ABN 47 931 649 319

PO Box 603 Kent Town, SA 5071

F 08 8238 9303

1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 642) asthmaaustralia.org.au

Asthma Australia reduced CO2 emissions by 8,593kg in 2011-2012 through environmentally friendly printing.

asthma australia | annual report 20122-2012

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